Name: Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped; 1–2 carrots, diced (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth; 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Cabbage Roll Soup is one of my favorite cozy, one-pot meals. It has all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls — seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth — but without the hassle of rolling and baking. I love how hearty and warming it is, especially on chilly nights when I want something simple and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that old-school comfort food feel without the extra work. It’s easy to throw together, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and feeds a crowd. The cabbage becomes tender and sweet as it simmers, and the rice soaks up all the tomato flavor. It’s like a hug in a bowl — and even better the next day. Cabbage Roll Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (or ground turkey)
onion, chopped
garlic, minced
green cabbage, chopped
carrots, diced (optional)
canned diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
beef broth or chicken broth
white rice (uncooked)
Worcestershire sauce
dried oregano
salt and black pepper
olive oil

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large soup pot and cook the onion until softened. Then I add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned.
I stir in the chopped cabbage and carrots (if using) and let them cook down slightly.
I add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire, oregano, salt, and pepper.
I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir in the uncooked rice.
I let it simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, until the rice and cabbage are tender and the flavors have melded together.
I taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes me 10–15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to simmer — ready in about 45 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of beef. I’ve added a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end for brightness, or stirred in fresh herbs like parsley. For a low-carb version, I skip the rice or swap it with cauliflower rice. If I have leftover cooked rice, I add it near the end instead of cooking it in the soup.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice continues to absorb broth, so I add a splash of water or stock when reheating. It also freezes well — I let it cool, then store in freezer-safe containers. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave. Cabbage Roll Soup

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of raw?

Yes, I’ve added cooked rice near the end of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy — just warm it through before serving.

Does the soup thicken as it sits?

It does! The rice absorbs the broth over time. I add more liquid when reheating if I want it soupier.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. I brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything (except rice) to the slow cooker. I add rice in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Very. I freeze in single portions and thaw as needed. Just know the rice may soften slightly after freezing.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely — I skip the meat, use vegetable broth, and add extra veggies or lentils for protein.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is one of those comforting, hearty meals that I keep coming back to. I love how it captures the essence of a traditional dish in a much simpler, faster way. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s reliable, satisfying, and always hits the spot — especially with a slice of crusty bread on the side.